Photoshop CSx vs Elements

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I was wondering what kind of things are possible in Photoshop CS compared to the elements versions.

I am not a user of Photoshop so I'm asking the question from a complete dummy's viewpoint.

Here's a brief list

* Can work in different colour spaces easily
* Softproofing (for colour space work)
* Layer grouping (though not sure if PSE can do this now)
* Vectors & Pen Tool (for scalable vector drawing and clipping)
* Ability to work in R, G, B separately
* Lab mode and others
* Scripting

Plus a pile of other bits... but the list above is what I use.
TBH, these days I do 95% of my work in LR3. The rest I could probably do in PSE... but it's nice having the full CS5

If you're feeling limited by PSE, then www.hiddenelements.com is a good place to start

EDIT: Curves + Color Balance are available as free plugins for most versions of PSE But note they are not re-editable.
e.g. http://www.hiddenelements.com/elements7_tools.php

HTH!

Matt

+1 to Matt, I have CS5 which I use for work, but for photography I do 99% of all my PP in LR3, plus some plugins. The only time I edit photos in CS5 is when I need to do some cloning that can't be done with LR3's stupid circular tool which can't be 'brushed'.

We haven't upgraded recently and use CS2 for everything. There are features that are not found in Elements.

I use PSE, now on PSE9. I have never used full Photoshop as I couldn't afford it when I started, and don't feel I am missing out on much.
PS offers far far more than most people ever use and it seems daft to spend a lot on a program when you will only use a fraction of it's potential.

PSE9 has basic levels and also now has layer masks (though you could always do a work around for that).

The main downside for me is the more basic ACR you get with Elements.

I have been tempted by Lightroom, in addition to PSE, but am unwilling to pay the price, and since I no longer have any student sons to enable a cheap students copy it remains an idea.

I also looked at Bibble Labs Raw converter but never got around to doing anything more about it.

Hidden Elements doesn't go beyond PSE7.
There are some Elements user sites out there full of helpful tips and forums, though you do have to subscribe to the magazine for some of them.

Trying to compare PSE with CS5 is like trying to compare the earth with the moon! The benefits and features in CS5 are huge, in fact I think I only use 45% of the features, but that is down to my knowledge and understanding of the programme, although my skills in using Photoshop keep expanding. I agree with some of the earlier posts about Lightroom, and some of the plugins (Nik Software really do some nice ones) However, the benefits of learning to use CS5 take you to another level, I think it all depends on the time you have to invest in learning how to use photoshop, learning photoshop really pays dividends when you do put in the time and effort.